A day before celebrating this month’s Rice Awareness Month in Valencia, Bukidnon, we were privileged enough to enjoy a meal with the Engallados at their Rescuer’s Stop. Rescuer’s Stop is a one-stop shop and food hub rolled into one to cater rice-based products to patrons on the go and foodie on the road conceptualized and managed by Nick Jay Arr Engallado (son of rice king Nicasio "Nick" F. Engallado) of Engallado’s Nature Farm.

Bukidnon has always had a strong tradition of farming, thanks to the commitment of its hardworking people who make full use of its rich agricultural land, rolling terrain and nutrient-rich soil. The abundance of high value crops, access to urban necessities in the cities, plus culinary fares influenced by a mix of traditions among seven indigenous tribes have shaped its rich foodways. Its proximity to Cagayan de Oro, with its dynamic tourism and booming restaurant industry, has also enabled Bukidnon to begin to develop a more modern take on the ways that they eat and cook.

There is something soothing and life affirming when you see a seed grow and bear fruit amidst the chaos that surrounds it. This could very well be one of the motivations of CPT. Regidor Duldulao of the 1st Special Forces Batallion based in Mampayag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Despite a background in Electronics Communication Engineering and the Philippine Military Academy, Capt. Duldulao considers himself a farmer. He plants vegetables and flowers all over the Camp.

One look and one would think that this fruit is of Tamaranean or Thanagarian origin---very alien! What with the pink dragon-like scales and inside flesh filled with teeny-weeny black seeds.

Once considered as exotic and expensive, this emerging hot commodity being yanked out from obscurity is slowly becoming popular among the health conscious and foodies like me in the form of a smoothie, juice, fruit shake, salad or as a cocktail mix.

Dodol is a Maranao delicacy which is made from sticky rice, coconut milk and sugar. It has become a popular Iftar food aside from being served during celebrations like wedding and thanksgiving. I am writing this blog in time when Ramadan is about to start.

I am fascinated by fairs. Moreso, if it highlights a certain agricultural product. Just recently, I visited the Strawberry Festival in La Trinidad, Benguet. I am amazed at how products and ideas sprout from one small, red fruit.